Several migrants died off the coast of France on the weekend while attempting to cross the English Channel, French officials have said.
The tragedy occurred in the commune of Ambleteuse, according to local authorities.
The latest fatalities come as French maritime authorities rescued around 200 people off the coast of Calais in the space of 24 hours between Friday and Saturday night and brought them back to land.
Among the those rescued were 55 migrants in boat described as being in poor condition, which was located off the coast of Le Portel.
The rescue operations also saw 61 migrants picked up off the coast of La Becque d’Hardelot, 48 people recovered close to a lighthouse, French authorities said.
36 people were also rescued at the end of the day, according to officials.
Authorities said they monitored 18 attempts to launch boats across the arm of the Atlantic Ocean separating Southern England from northern France on Saturday.
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